Prosecutors to go easy on speeding drivers

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070507/...0xwqeX3ti BIF

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Prosecutors in the Belgian capital, overwhelmed
by the number of speeding fines imposed since fixed radar traps were
installed, have asked police to let off all but the worst offenders --
angering local mayors.

The prosecutor's office, grappling with a backlog of 10,000 cases, has
asked Brussels police not to fine drivers unless they are motoring at
87 kph (54 mph), or 67 kph (42 mph) near schools, the daily La
Derniere Heure reported Saturday.

Speeding fines are not automatic in Belgium and each case goes through
the prosecutor's office.

The paper quoted a letter from the prosecutor to district mayors
suggesting they temporarily reduce the number of speed controls and
that police report only the worst cases, when drivers exceed the limit
by 30 kph plus a 6 kph tolerance margin.

The speed limit in most of Brussels is 50 kph, reduced to 30 kph in
areas near schools.

RTBF radio quoted several district mayors as voicing outrage over the
circular because most offenders would escape punishment. The
prosecutor's spokesman was not available for comment.